padma river is now a dead canal

The water of Padma river is receding in Ishwardi of Pabna. But not much fish is available in the river. Many frustrated fishermen are wrapping their nets. This picture can be seen in Sara and Pakshi areas of the upazila. Officials of the fisheries department said that the navigability of the river has decreased, there is no current. The fish cannot be seen due to the rising tide. But fishermen hope to catch fish again soon.

It can be seen in Guide Bank Para area of ​​Pakshi Union of Upazila, Padma River has dried up and turned into a drain. In the middle of the river, a huge sandbank has arisen. Fishermen can be seen spending idle time on the banks of the river. Some are repairing tattered nets with family members. Some are wrapping nets and keeping them in khamals (piles). Others are also doing boat repairs. Arman Khan, the fisherman, is sitting on the bank of the river repairing the torn net. His wife and daughter are sitting next to him. He said, after the Hilsa conservation campaign, good fish was being caught for a few days.

At that time I got more or less many fish. Not much fish is available for 15 days. Big fish are caught in our cotton nets. Forced to lift the net and fix what is torn, I will give it to you.' Fisherman Akkas Sardar said, 'I got enough fish for a few days. It's been a few days and not much fish is available. They are not paying for themselves with what they get. So, I am keeping the net. I will come down again after a few days.' Khairul Khan said, the water has reduced and char has fallen in the river. No fish is available except for small 2-4 hilsa. Due to cold and fog during Paush month, many of the upstream cannot catch fish.

Then there may be some fishing in our area. We are all waiting for this hope. In my three boats, 10 people spend an average of 1 to 1.5 thousand rupees per day. But yesterday I sold 600 rupees worth of fish. The cost of the boat does not rise with this money. How to spend the family there? Upazila Fisheries Officer A. Rahman Khan said, there is no current in the river. Char is full. Fish is decreasing due to lack of navigation. In the future, hilsa will not be seen if char is left in the river like this. Executive Engineer of Pabna Water Development Board's Water Hydrology Department. Rezaul Karim said, this year's flow is very low. Last year on December 31, the water flow at Hardinge Bridge Point was 93 thousand 648 cusecs and the water level was 6.52 meters. On December 31 of this year, the water flow and level were 80 thousand 536 cusecs and 5.61 meters respectively. Compared to last year, the water flow has decreased by 13 thousand 112 cusecs and the water level has decreased by 10.9 meters. Due to climate change, the groundwater levels of the world's rivers have increased and water levels have dropped.